SPRING

It's the first of September and the start of spring Down Under. The weather's warmer, the flowers are in bloom, and love is in the air, so goes the song.
It's Wattle Day in Australia, and we all know, of course, that the GOLDEN WATTLE  is Australia's national flower. See the wattles in bloom at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney or at its Mt Annan gardens southwest of the city.

Flower festivals

In Perth, on the western side of the Australian continent, the Wildflower Festival begins today at Kings Park and Botanic Garden and runs for a full month.

In Canberra, the nation's capital, the annual Floriade takes place this year from from September 15 to October 14.

Poinsettias

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are popular potted plants, particularly during Christmas. Brightly colored, mostly red, Poinsettia provides effective color in home decor during and after the holiday season. The newer Poinsettia cultivars are long-lasting in contrast to the cultivars that were available a few years ago. Christmas charm is what these amazing Poinsettias hold. The Poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and Central America and is named after the former US ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel R. Poinsett who introduced the Poinsettia to the United States. The Poinsettia's botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means "the most beautiful Euphorbia" and these are certainly perfect Christmas gifts.